A method and system for the interactive testing of assembled wireless communication devices

ABSTRACT

A method and system for the interactive testing of assembled wireless communication devices is provided. The method comprises: assembling the wireless communication devices to include at least one interactive test component for interactively testing the wireless communication device in one or more interactive tests requiring physical actuation or mechanical dynamics to be performed on the at least one interactive test component; and testing the wireless communication devices comprising performing an interactive test using the at least one interactive test component at an interactive test stage of the production line.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/945,981, filed Sep. 22, 2004.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The present application relates to the field of testing wirelesscommunication devices, and more specifically, to the testing of fullyassembled wireless communication devices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, personaldigital assistants and the like, include microprocessors, input devicesincluding a keypad, special function buttons and wheels, output devices,information storage capabilities, and run one or more softwareapplications. Examples of software applications used in these wirelessdevices include micro-browsers, address books, and email clients.Additionally, current generations of such devices have access to aplurality of services via the Internet. A wireless device may, forexample, be used to browse web sites on the Internet, to transmit andreceive graphics, and to execute streaming audio and/or videoapplications.

Such devices are typically tested during their respective production toensure reliability and quality control. Once a wireless device isassembled in full plastics (or other material for its shell), ittypically progresses through various test stages to qualify each of itscomponents. For mobile cellular devices these tests may include thefollowing: Keys, Internal Mic (microphone), Internal Speaker, Charger,Buzzer, Vibrator, Vision, Radiated RF (radio frequency), etc.

Depending on the initial path of test development, most testing systemsexecute a series of test stages wherein each stage sequentially executesa subset of tests drawn from a test plan. As development progresses someof these test stages are consolidated depending on the compatibility offunction, fixture, or process. For example, consider the following twoexemplary testing system flows:

EXAMPLE 1

Stage 1: Keys, Buzzer, Charger, Vibrator, Vision, Current Levels

Stage 2: Internal Mic, Internal Speaker

Stage 3: Radiated RF

EXAMPLE 2

Stage 1: Charger, Vibrator, Vision, Current Levels

Stage 2: Buzzer, Internal Mic, Internal Speaker, Radiated RF

Thus, as may be observed from the examples above, there is generally nostandard, efficient method for defining test stages along with whattests are executed at any particular stage. In Example 1, the RadiatedRF test is performed in a separate Stage 3 whereas in Example 2, thesame test is performed in Stage 2.

Traditionally tests have been executed using an external test systemcoupled to the device under test (“DUT”) which external systemcoordinated the actions of a test operator, the test system and the DUT.Such external systems are coupled and uncoupled at each test stage.There is typically one external test system per each test stage unit.Requiring multiple external systems in a test system of a productionline is costly and inefficient. Generally, tests require a relativelysmall amount of time compared to the time to ready a DUT for testing.Thus for a significant amount of time the external test systems are idlewhile an operator mounts and dismounts a DUT. As well, each externaltest system requires maintenance and updating to ensure the externaltest system has the current configuration for testing the wirelesscommunication devices being produced by the production line.

Therefore, there exists a need for a method and system for efficientlytesting fully assembled wireless devices. Accordingly, a solution thataddresses, at least in part, the above and other shortcomings isdesired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred wireless communication deviceadapted for implementing an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a memory portion of FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment of the application;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flow chart illustrating a method for testing awireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for testing a wirelessdevice in accordance with an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a test system on a production line inaccordance with an embodiment of the application.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like featuresare identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method fortesting wireless communication devices in stages in a production linefor the assembly of the wireless communication devices, the methodcomprising: assembling the wireless communication devices to include atleast one interactive test component for interactively testing thewireless communication device in one or more interactive tests requiringphysical actuation or mechanical dynamics to be performed on the atleast one interactive test component; and testing the wirelesscommunication devices comprising performing an interactive test usingthe at least one interactive test component at an interactive test stageof the production line.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method oftesting assembled wireless communication devices in a production line,the method comprising: receiving an assembled wireless communicationdevice in the production line for testing in accordance with a pluralityof tests comprising: one or more interactive tests each requiringphysical actuation or mechanical dynamics to be performed on thewireless communication device; and one or more non-interactive testseach comprising non-mechanical tests without physical actuation ormechanical dynamics to be performed on the wireless communicationdevice; performing each of the interactive tests using an interactivetest component assembled into the wireless communication device at aninteractive test stage of the production line; and performing thenon-interactive tests at a non-interactive test stage of the productionline.

In accordance with a further embodiment, there is provided a productionline testing system for testing wireless communication devices duringassembly, the production line comprising: an interactive test stage forperforming interactive testing on assembled wireless communicationdevices using at least one interactive test component assembled into thewireless communication devices, the interactively testing comprising oneor more interactive tests requiring physical actuation or mechanicaldynamics to be performed on the at least one interactive test component;and a non-interactive test stage for non-interactively testing assembledwireless communication devices.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment, there is provided awireless communication device comprising a communications subsystem,input and output devices, a memory, a display, and at least oneinteractive test component for interactively testing the device in oneor more interactive tests requiring physical actuation or mechanicaldynamics to be performed on the at least one interactive test component.

The present application describes an on-device interactive test forevaluating components and features of an assembled wirelesscommunication device thereby to replace an external test system toexecute such an interactive test. By using a wireless communicationdevice's own resources to perform and store the results of the test, anexternal test system may be avoided. The interactive test code may beembedded in the device's software and executed by a test operator, forexample, upon start up of the device on the production line. Executionof the test may be carried out by the operator using operator activityto interact with the device or upon automated actuation. The test may beterminated and restarted, if desired. Results are stored in a persistentstorage of the device and may be later evaluated, for example, at asubsequent test stage, and may also be logged to an external testdatabase at the later test stage. Such a self-contained testing approachis flexible allowing execution at various test stages, whether on or offthe production line, and is scalable thus minimizing costs for externaltest systems.

The interactive test presented herein is particularly suited for testingassembled wireless communication devices that are tested in a two stagetest system comprising an interactive test stage and a non-interactivetest stage as disclosed in applicant's companion U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/945,973, entitled “A Method And System For Testing AssembledMobile Devices” filed Sep. 22, 2004 and which is incorporated herein byreference. This companion application relates to a method for definingtest stages for testing fully assembled wireless communication devicesincluding which tests are to be executed during each particular stage.The method divides testing into two defined test stages. The divisionbetween each test stage is determined by the nature of the test. If thetest requires physical actuation or mechanical dynamics in order toacquire a measurement, the test is classified as an “interactive” test(i.e., a mechanical test). Any test that does not require physicalactuation/mechanical dynamics is classified as a “non-interactive” test(i.e., a non-mechanical test). This categorization of test type dividestesting into two defined stages: the interactive test stage and thenon-interactive test stage.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of such a test system and method 500for testing wireless devices in accordance with an embodiment of theapplication. As in a conventional wireless communication device testingsystem, testing may be divided into a board level testing phase 502 andfully assembled (“ASY”) level testing phase 504. The board level phase502 may include a DC test 506 and a calibration test 508 e.g. tocalibrate RF power. During the ASY level of testing, wirelesscommunication devices are assembled and processed through a series offunctional, RF, and audio tests. Heretofor each conventional test stagein phase 504 usually required its own test fixture and external testsystem. Often such tests were done in three stages as follows: assembly,MFT (i.e. Multi-Functional Test), and final/audio testing (or RF+Audio).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, ASY testphase 504 need only include two test stages: assembly+interactive test510 and non-interactive test 512. By classifying ASY test phase tests504 as either interactive 510 or non-interactive 512, the testingprocess can be reorganized based on the physical interactionrequirements of the tests. A single external testing system 514 may beemployed.

The assembly+interactive testing 510 test stage is where eachinteractive component of the assembled device (typically user inputdevices such as keyboard or keypad keys, special buttons and wheels orother such manually manipulated input devices) are tested for operation.An additional interactive test may include a holster test testing theaction of holstering a device, as applicable. This activity ofholstering may be sensed by the device and used to trigger one or moreresponses such as a power saving response or to set a state of thedevice useful for user notification profiles.

The non-interactive testing 512 test stage includes all non-interactivetests which are performed at a single test station. The design of thetest station for performing non-interactive testing 512 includes minimalmechanical requirements. The test station for this testing includesexternal testing system 514 which is coupled to a test pad (not shown)which is in turn adapted to receive a test palette (not shown) whichholds the wireless communication device.

An advantage of grouping interactive tests into a single stage is thatmechanical dynamics can be concentrated in one test fixture. In acomplete testing system, this concentration minimizes the total numberof drivers/actuators used since all moving parts are tested in one ofthe two test stages.

An advantage of grouping non-interactive tests into a single stage isthat, theoretically, no mechanical dynamics need be designed into thetest fixture for this stage. Mechanical dynamics in fixturing can causeunwanted variability due to changes in physical characteristics (i.e.,actuators, moving cameras, etc.). By removing the mechanical dynamics ina test fixture, an increase in reproducibility and repeatability ofmeasurements can be achieved. This improves the efficiency of testing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a example wireless communication device 102adapted in accordance with an embodiment of the application. Device 102is a two-way communication device having at least voice and advanceddata communication capabilities, including the capability to communicatewith other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided bydevice 102, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-waypager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wirelessInternet appliance, or a data communication device (with or withouttelephony capabilities). Device 102 may communicate with any one of aplurality of fixed transceiver stations 100 within its geographiccoverage area.

Device 102 will normally incorporate a communication subsystem 111,which includes a receiver, a transmitter, and associated components,such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elementsand, local oscillators (LOs), and a processing module such as a digitalsignal processor (DSP) (all not shown). As will be apparent to thoseskilled in field of communications, particular design of communicationsubsystem 111 depends on the communication network in which device 102is intended to operate.

Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of device 102 andtherefore device 102 requires a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card162 to be inserted in a SIM IF 164 in order to operate in the network.Device 102 is a battery-powered device so it also includes a battery IF154 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 156. Such a battery156 provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry indevice 102, and battery IF 154 provides for a mechanical and electricalconnection for it. The battery IF 154 is coupled to a regulator (notshown) which provides power V+ to all of the circuitry.

Device 102 includes a microprocessor 138 which controls overalloperation of device 102. Communication functions, including at leastdata and voice communications, are performed through communicationsubsystem 111. Microprocessor 138 also interacts with additional devicesubsystems such as a display 122, a flash memory 124 or other persistentstore, a random access memory (RAM) 126, auxiliary input/output (I/O)subsystems 128, a serial port 130, a keyboard 132, a speaker 134, amicrophone 136, a short-range communications subsystem 140, and anyother device subsystems generally designated at 142. Some of thesubsystems shown in FIG. 1 perform communication-related functions,whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions.Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard 132 and display 122, forexample, may be used for both communication-related functions, such asentering a text message for transmission over a communication network,and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.Operating system software used by microprocessor 138 is preferablystored in a persistent store such as flash memory 124, which mayalternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element(not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operatingsystem, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may betemporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM 126.

Microprocessor 138, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on device 102. Apredetermined set of applications which control basic device operations,including at least data and voice communication applications, willnormally be installed on device 102 during its manufacture. A preferredapplication that may be loaded onto device 102 may be a personalinformation manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize andmanage data items relating to the user such as, but not limited to,instant messaging (IM), e-mail, calendar events, voice mails,appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores areavailable on device 102 and SIM 162 to facilitate storage of PIM dataitems and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the mobile station user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system therebycreating a mirrored host computer on device 102 with respect to suchitems. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system isthe mobile station user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto device 102 through network 100, anauxiliary I/O subsystem 128, serial port 130, short-range communicationssubsystem 140, or any other suitable subsystem 142, and installed by auser in RAM 126 or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) forexecution by microprocessor 138. Such flexibility in applicationinstallation increases the functionality of device 102 and may provideenhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both.For example, secure communication applications may enable electroniccommerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performedusing device 102.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message,an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed bycommunication subsystem 111 and input to microprocessor 138.Microprocessor 138 will preferably further process the signal for outputto display 122 and/or to auxiliary IO device 128. A user of device 102may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, usingkeyboard 132 in conjunction with display 122 and possibly auxiliary IOdevice 128. Keyboard 132 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboardand/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmittedover a communication network through communication subsystem 111 orshort range communication subsystem 140.

For voice communications, the overall operation of device 102 issubstantially similar, except that the received signals would be outputto speaker 134 and signals for transmission would be generated bymicrophone 136. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on device102. Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplishedprimarily through speaker 134, display 122 may also be used to providean indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voicecall, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 130 in FIG. 1 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 130 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of device102 by providing for information or software downloads to device 102other than through a wireless communication network. The alternatedownload path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key ontodevice 102 through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection tothereby provide secure device communication.

Short-range communications subsystem 140 of FIG. 1 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between device 102and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similardevices. For example, subsystem 140 may include an infrared device andassociated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication moduleto provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is an illustration of a memory 200 ofdevice 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the application, showingvarious software components for controlling device 102. Memory 200 maybe flash memory 124, RAM 126 or a ROM (not shown), for example. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the application, device 102 is intendedto be a multi-tasking wireless communication device configured forsending and receiving data items and for making and receiving voicecalls. To provide a user-friendly environment to control the operationof device 102, an operating system (O/S) 202 resident on station 102provides a basic set of operations for supporting various applicationstypically operable through a graphical user interface (GUI) 204. Forexample, O/S 202 provides basic input/output system features to obtaininput from Auxiliary I/O 108, keyboard 132 and the like and forfacilitating output to the user. In accordance with an embodiment of theapplication, there is provided an interactive test application 206 fortesting the assembled device 102 such has during an ASY test phase stageof a production line test system.

Though not shown, one or more applications for managing communicationsor providing personal digital assistant like functions may also beincluded.

FIGS. 3A and 3B comprise a flowchart of operations 300 for an embodimentof interactive test 206. Interactive test operations 300 working with aGUI such as GUI 204 of the device provide a human operator on aproduction line for assembling and testing a wireless communicationdevice with an interface to interactively test the wirelesscommunication device and store the test results to a storage device(e.g. flash memory 124 or other store) of the device. Operations 300start (step 302) for example upon power up of the DUT on the productionline.

At step 304, a determination is made whether the DUT has passed theinteractive tests. For example, a predetermined test bit may beexamined. If this bit is set (i.e. the test was successfully completed)operations continue at step 305 otherwise operations continue at step315. At step 305, the GUI is invoked and a display screen displayed(e.g. Calibration Mode (CalMode) Screen) showing checkmarks inassociation with each interactive test to indicate a successfulcompletion to the interactive tests. Following to steps 306, a responsefrom the operator is required to continue.

If the operator inputs “GO” via keyboard 132 a Pass screen is displayed(step 308) until the operator presses the keyboard's Return Key (step310). Operations thereafter loop back to step 304. If the operator doesnot input “GO” at step 306 but inputs “RESET” (step 312), the test bitis unset to re-start the interactive testing and operations thereafterloop back to step 304. Only “GO” and “RESET” may be input to continuebeyond steps 306 and 312.

If at step 304 it is determined that the interactive tests are notcompleted, at step 315 the GUI is invoked and a display screen displayedshowing the interactive tests to be performed without checkmarks inassociation with each interactive test to indicate a test start-up. A“GO” input from the operator is required to continue beyond step 316. Ifthe operator inputs “GO” via keyboard 132 at step 318 (FIG. 3B) a testscreen is displayed and the portion of the interactive tests requiringoperator activity to actuate the device components to be testedcommences. In the present embodiment, tests are performed individuallyin a loop fashion. At step 320, a determination is made as to whetherall tests are complete. If so, operations continue at step 334 andotherwise progress to step 322.

An operator activity or input is required and the operations 300 wait onan input which in the present embodiment is communicated via a messagein a message buffer (not shown). At step 324 operations sleep or pausefor a predetermined time (e.g. 70 ms) and a second check of the messagebuffer is made to determine whether another message was received withinthe predetermined period. If a second message is available in the bufferso quickly, there is an indication that the DUT may not be operatingproperly, for example, due to an electrical short that appears as asecond input when a single key or other individual input device is onlyactuated once. Alternatively an operator may be interacting with thedevice too quickly, pressing more than one key at a time, which isindistinguishable from an error. At step 326, a determination is madewhether a second message is available (i.e. message buffer is notempty). If so, operations continue to step 328 and a “SLOW DOWN” banneris displayed in association with the test screen. Operations loop tostep 318 for further testing.

If the message buffer is empty at step 326, the message received at step322 is evaluated and an appropriate test status register is updated(step 330) to record the test. This register may be stored for futureuse (not shown). At step 332, the test screen is updated to reflect thetest result and operations loop to step 318 to redraw the screen andcontinue the tests.

If at step 320, a determination is made that all tests are complete,operations continue at step 334 and a PASS screen is displayedindicating to the operator that the interactive tests are completed andactivities at this stage may be concluded. The predetermined test bit isset for later use (step 336). Operations wait for a user to press theReturn key (step 338) and loop back to step 302 (FIG. 3A) and thereafterthrough to step 306 where the successful test screen with checkmarks isdisplayed providing an opportunity to restart the test if desired.Operations 300 may be ended by powering down the DUT, such as byremoving its battery 156.

With reference again to production line flow chart 500 of FIG. 5, a DUTtypically moves from assembly interactive test stage 510 tonon-interactive stage 512. Typically, the DUT is fitted to a testfixture (not shown) for performing the non-interactive tests duringstage 512. Non-interactive test stage 512 usually involves an externaltesting system 514 for managing and performing the test operations andrecording their results. As is well known, a user may interact with theexternal testing system and its software modules using this system'sGUI. External testing system 514 is coupled to the DUT via the testfixture which has one or more cooperating interfaces to the DUT'scommunication interfaces such as its serial port 130, short rangecommunications interface 140, etc.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operations 400 for the non-interactive testingof a device in the production line. Such operations 400 may be performedby a operator using an external testing system such as system 514. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the application, the operation of theexternal test system 514 may be regulated by the success or failure ofthe interactive tests at stage 510. Operations 400 begin (step 402), forexample, by invoking a software application (not shown) on external testsystem 514. At step 404, preliminary operations to the non-interactivetests are performed. Data identifying the DUT may be entered by theoperator or otherwise received (e.g. by a bar code input device (notshown)) for recording in association with the interactive andnon-interactive test results. Operator information, DUT configurationinformation, etc. may be obtained and recorded for the DUT, for example,to a local and/or remote database (not shown) coupled to the externaltesting system 514. At step 405 the interactive test bit is obtainedfrom the DUT, for example, via OS 202 or interactive test applicationsoftware 206 and recorded to the test database. At step 406, the testbit status is evaluated to determine whether an interactive testsuccessfully completed. If so, operations continue to step 408 wherenon-interactive tests commence and thereafter operations end at step412. Otherwise, at step 410, a warning (or error) alert message isdisplayed to the operator on external testing system 514 and thereafteroperations end at step 412. Non-interactive testing is thus prevented inaccordance with the results of the interactive testing. The DUT may bereturned to interactive test stage 510 for completion of an interactivetest or otherwise dealt with in accordance with a testing protocol.Though not shown, external testing system 514 may advise the operator ofthe particular options and direct the subsequent action. For example,one course of action may be to confirm the DUT configuration informationto ensure the external testing system is obtaining the properinteractive test bit data. Another course of action may be to performthe interactive test at the non-interactive test stage 512 and to re-dosteps 405 and following of operations 400.

Though the interactive test application is described in relation to aproduction line environment, the software may be resident on the deviceat any time. It may be useful for field tests or for evaluating thedevice before or after a repair. Persons of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that such software may be stored in a variety ofcomputer readable media as well, whether on or off the device, tofacilitate development and distribution for example.

While the results of the interactive test are useful as a pre-requisiteto the non-interactive tests, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the non-interactive test may proceed without asuccessful interactive test, for example, either with or without awarning to the operator.

The embodiments of the application described above are intended to beexamples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations,modifications and variations to the particular embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the application. The subject matterdescribed herein in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace allsuitable changes in technology.

1. A method for testing wireless communication devices in stages in aproduction line for the assembly of the wireless communication devices,the method comprising: assembling the wireless communication devices toinclude at least one interactive test component for interactivelytesting the wireless communication device in one or more interactivetests requiring physical actuation or mechanical dynamics to beperformed on the at least one interactive test component; and testingthe wireless communication devices comprising performing an interactivetest using the at least one interactive test component at an interactivetest stage of the production line.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theinteractive test is performed at the interactive test stage without anexternal test system.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingstoring a respective result of the interactive test within a memory ofthe respective wireless communication device.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising accessing the respective result from the respectivewireless communication device at a non-interactive test stage for atleast one of storing the respective result to an external testingdatabase and non-interactive testing of the respective wirelesscommunication device, the non-interactive testing comprising one or morenon-interactive tests requiring no physical actuation or mechanicaldynamics to be performed on the wireless communication device.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising, in the non-interactive teststage, coupling each wireless communication device to an externaltesting system for performing at least one of the storing and theinteractive testing.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the couplingfurther comprises coupling the each device to a test fixture forcoupling to the external testing system, the fixture comprising nomechanical dynamics for actuating the wireless communication devices. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one interactive testcomponent is a user input device of the wireless communication device ora holstering sensor of the wireless communication device for detectingwhen the wireless communication device has been holstered.
 8. The methodof claim 4, wherein the interactive test stage and non-interactive teststage are spatially separated in the production line.
 9. A method oftesting assembled wireless communication devices in a production line,the method comprising: receiving an assembled wireless communicationdevice in the production line for testing in accordance with a pluralityof tests comprising: one or more interactive tests each requiringphysical actuation or mechanical dynamics to be performed on thewireless communication device; and one or more non-interactive testseach comprising non-mechanical tests without physical actuation ormechanical dynamics to be performed on the wireless communicationdevice; performing each of the interactive tests using an interactivetest component assembled into the wireless communication device at aninteractive test stage of the production line; and performing thenon-interactive tests at a non-interactive test stage of the productionline.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising storing a result ofthe interactive test within a memory of the wireless communicationdevice.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, at thenon-interactive test stage, accessing the result from the memory of thewireless communication device for at least one of storing to an externaltesting database and controlling the performing of the non-interactivetests.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising coupling thewireless communication device to an external testing system forperforming the non-interactive tests.
 13. The method of claim 12,further comprising storing a result of the interactive test to anexternal testing database.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein thecoupling further comprises coupling the wireless communication device toa test fixture for coupling to the external testing system, the fixturecomprising no mechanical dynamics for actuating the wirelesscommunication devices.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the at leastone interactive test component is a user input device of the wirelesscommunication device or a holstering sensor of the wirelesscommunication device for detecting when the wireless communicationdevice has been holstered.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein theinteractive test stage and non-interactive test stage are spatiallyseparated in the production line.
 17. A production line testing systemfor testing wireless communication devices during assembly, theproduction line comprising: an interactive test stage for performinginteractive testing on assembled wireless communication devices using atleast one interactive test component assembled into the wirelesscommunication devices, the interactively testing comprising one or moreinteractive tests requiring physical actuation or mechanical dynamics tobe performed on the at least one interactive test component; and anon-interactive test stage for non-interactively testing assembledwireless communication devices.
 18. The production line testing systemof claim 17, wherein the one or more interactive tests are performed atthe interactive test stage without an external test system.
 19. Theproduction line testing system of claim 17, wherein the non-interactivetest stage comprises one or more non-interactive tests each comprisingnon-mechanical tests without physical actuation or mechanical dynamicsto be performed on the wireless communication device.
 20. The productionline testing system of claim 19, wherein the non-interactive test stagecomprises an external testing system for performing the non-interactivetests.
 21. The production line testing system of claim 20, wherein theexternal testing system is responsive to a test result of theinteractive test stage.
 22. The production line testing system of claim17, wherein the at least one interactive test component is a user inputdevice of the wireless communication device or a holstering sensor ofthe wireless communication device for detecting when the wirelesscommunication device has been holstered.
 23. The production line testingsystem of claim 17, wherein the interactive test stage andnon-interactive test stage are spatially separated in the productionline.
 24. A wireless communication device comprising a communicationssubsystem, input and output devices, a memory, a display, and at leastone interactive test component for interactively testing the device inone or more interactive tests requiring physical actuation or mechanicaldynamics to be performed on the at least one interactive test component.25. The wireless communication device of claim 24, wherein the at leastone interactive test component stores a result of the interactivetesting for at least one of subsequent storing to an external testingdatabase and controlling subsequent non-interactive testing of thedevice.